Jaylaen Higgins is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Xavier Prep for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX – Xavier Prep’s defense stole the spotlight Thursday night, recording six interceptions, including two being returned for touchdowns – in a dominant win over St. Mary’s. 

With the win, Xavier improved to 5-0, 1-0 in the 6A Central Region, continuing its unbeaten start to the season behind a defense that has proven to be one of the toughest in the state. 

Senior Imani Campbell led the way with three interceptions, one of them returned 30 yards for a score. Offensively, she caught three touchdown passes. Quarterback Ana Matuz added balance on the other side of the ball, throwing for four touchdown passes to guide the Gators' offense. 

Head coach Matthew Reum credited the defensive game plan for the flurry of turnovers.

“In preparation, we were aware that the majority of their passing game was short and efficient,” Reum said. “We talked about our defenders staying back, driving the ball and making things happen while the ball was in the air.”

The defensive aggression was anchored by senior Zoie Alexander, who had a game-high seven tackles and recorded one interception. Reum praised her ability to play sideline-to-sideline and her “great instincts.” 

Campbell credited her offensive success to the chemistry she and Matuz have built.

“Me and Ana have known each other for a very long time; we both usually pick up on the same thing and talk about it on the field,” Campbell said. 

“We also have signals for certain things on the field; with that, we’re able to connect and put the plays together.”

Matuz said that the offense started off slowly but gained momentum as the game progressed. Coming into the game, Matuzt didn’t waver from the task at hand.

“My mindset was, we might be 4-0, but that doesn’t prove anything – they’re coming for the win,” Matuz said. 

The defensive performance reflected how far Xavier has come through the early part of the season on that side of the ball.

“We’ve given up 10 points in five games,” Reum said.“The defense locked in, staying focused through all four quarters and staying aggressive and hungry.”